Teenager Johnny Kenny signs two-year pro contract with Sligo Rovers

Premier Division Sligo Rovers have confirmed that 17-year-old forward Johnny Kenny has put pen to paper on a two-year professional contract with the club.

Kenny – the son of Rovers great, also called Johnny – was a member of the Bit O’Red’s under-17s last season, scoring 17 goals in as many games.

He also played for Sligo’s under-19s, where he scored six goals in just two games for the club.

“I’m absolutely delighted to sign today, it is a dream come true for me,” Kenny told Sligo’s media team.

“I’ve been a supporter of Rovers all my life and for so long I wanted to be a player for the club at first-team level.

“I know the hard work starts now and I will be giving it absolutely everything. The manager and the club have given me the opportunity and I will do all I can to take it.”

Sligo boss Liam Buckley added: “We’re very pleased to sign Johnny to his first professional deal today. Johnny is the latest in a long list of academy players that have stepped up to join our first-team…

“With Johnny, he has shown the promise to deserve this contract. His record at underage level speaks for itself. He’s bright, quick, a brilliant finisher and has the physique as well.

“He will fall into the category that if he is good enough, he will get the opportunity. First and foremost, he must focus on his education and his Leaving Cert.

“That is his main priority, and it is for every young player at the football club. He will train intermittently with the group before his Leaving Cert.”